Did you know a mosquito bite could potentially cause significant losses for livestock farmers? That’s right. Dr Sello Maboe, technical and marketing manager at Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP), shares his expertise on the three-day stiffness sickness, also known as bovine ephemeral fever, caused by mosquitoes and midges.
This viral disease primarily affects cattle, particularly in regions conducive to the vectors that transmit it. In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Maboe explains the symptoms, transmission, prevention, and management strategies.
“Three-day stiffness sickness is characterised by muscle stiffness in the affected animals, which often resolves on its own within three days,” Maboe says.
Early signs and symptoms
Recognising the early symptoms of the disease is crucial for timely intervention. Maboe describes that as the animals get a sudden onset of fever, a farmer will probably only pick them up if they have a thermometer and can measure the temperature.
“The fever is followed by visible muscle stiffness and a reluctance to move. Some of these animals may actually show some shivering, especially the dairy animals. They may lie down a lot and often struggle to get up.”
Maboe explains that the severity of symptoms can vary, ranging from mild lameness to severe forms where animals may experience complications.
In this episode, he also discusses:
- Treatment and management;
- Impact on health and productivity; and
- Long-term effects and a contingency plan.
Want to know more? Listen to the full episode of Farmer’s Inside Track.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices).
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device.
Option 3: Click here to listen on Google Podcast.
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